Eli Eberle, Junior | Illinois College Blue Boys Swimming
Eli Eberle, Junior | Illinois College Blue Boys Swimming
The Illinois College men's swimming and diving team has been projected to finish fifth in the Midwest Conference (MWC) for the 2025-26 season, according to the annual preseason coaches' poll released by the league.
Last season, Illinois College placed fourth. The team will return two all-conference athletes, Eli Eberle and Scottie Nicotra, as well as seniors Xaiver Applegate and Nathen Trachta.
Grinnell College was selected as the favorite to win its tenth consecutive conference title, receiving 64 points and eight out of nine possible first-place votes. Grinnell's program has accumulated a total of 46 team championships.
St. Norbert secured second place in the poll with 53 points, narrowly ahead of Lake Forest, which earned 50 points. Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), a new affiliate member this year, received one first-place vote and finished fourth with 43 points. Illinois College followed with 38 points. The rest of the rankings included Lawrence (28 points), Monmouth (23), Beloit (14), and Ripon (11).
The MWC swimming and diving season is set to begin on Saturday, October 4. MSOE will start its campaign at Carroll in a dual meet. The season will conclude with the MWC Swimming & Diving Championships hosted by Grinnell College from February 19 to February 22, 2026.
Alerts Sign-up